At this year’s HF Alumni Summit, held once again in Buda Castle, attendees gathered to reconnect and reflect on the enduring ties between Hungary and the United States.
This annual event serves as a networking opportunity for those eager to contribute to strengthening US-Hungary relations by providing educational and business opportunities for younger generations in both the US and Hungary.
At the beginning of the event, Christopher Ball, Director of Quinnipiac University’s Central European Institute and holder of the István Széchenyi Chair, extended a warm welcome to all the guests, reflecting on the university’s continued partnership with Hungary Foundation.
Anna Smith Lacey, Executive Director, marked the occasion with reflections on America’s 250th anniversary and its deep resonance with Hungary’s own constitutional history—tracing how the ideals of 1776 crossed the Atlantic to inspire reformers like István Széchenyi and Sándor Bölöni Farkas, and shaped Lajos Kossuth’s 1849 Declaration of Independence. She shared updates on Hungary Foundation’s growing efforts to preserve this shared legacy, including the Michael Kováts educational campaign, new historical installations at the Kossuth House, and the ongoing initiative to erect a full-scale equestrian statue of Colonel Michael Kováts in Charleston’s Marion Square. She thanked the many alumni whose generosity has advanced the Kováts Memorial campaign, with special recognition to those who launched their own fundraising efforts to inspire others to give.
Annamaria Wettstein, representing the HF Alumni Board, spoke to the volunteer dedication that sustains the alumni network year after year, thanking fellow board members for their leadership and their belief that the Hungary Foundation fellowship community should last a lifetime.
2026 Hungary Foundation Alumni Award to Former Széll Kálmán Fellow Noémi Pálfalvi
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the 2026 Hungary Foundation Alumni Award to Former Széll Kálmán Fellow Noémi Pálfalvi, recognized for her exceptional career in diplomacy and international affairs, her instrumental work building the Budapest Fellowship Program from the ground up.
The evening closed with a call to reconnect, collaborate, and look forward to an inspiring year ahead. It was wonderful to see our community come together once again—strengthening friendships, sparking new ideas, and continuing our shared mission of building bridges across the Atlantic.
